The Dr. Hyman Show The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Community Is Key To Better Health and Longevity
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Jul 15, 2024 
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former U.S. Surgeon General, and Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, delve into the surprising dangers of chronic loneliness. They explore how social connections are as crucial to our health as diet and exercise, revealing how relationships influence gene expression and stress levels. Listeners gain practical tips on fostering community ties and the concept of 'social fitness,' emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships for a longer, healthier life.
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Loneliness and Mortality
- Loneliness significantly increases the risk of premature death, comparable to smoking two packs of cigarettes daily.
- Social isolation negatively impacts mental and physical health and longevity.
Sociogenomics
- Social relationships heavily influence health outcomes, possibly more than genetics.
- Relationships affect gene expression, impacting inflammation and stress hormones.
Blue Zones and Community
- Communities in Blue Zones, like Icaria and Sardinia, demonstrate the power of community for longevity.
- Even at 100, individuals remain actively involved in community life.
